Vaughn Single Breaks Silence

Timely Rbi Leads Red Sox To Victory

ANAHEIM, Calif. — Red Sox fans will never know if their secretive team was contemplating a blockbuster trade Friday as midnight approached.

But if management was dangling

Mo Vaughn on the open market, the slugger had a salient angle when he stepped into the batter's box at Edison International Field. Minutes after the midnight deadline, Vaughn lined an RBI single to right in the eighth inning of what had been a pitchers duel.

``I hadn't really thought about [a trade] until today,'' Vaughn said. ``In no way, shape or form do I think I'm bigger than the game or bigger than this organization. Anything can happen.

``So I am relieved that it didn't happen. We have some good things going here and I thank the organization for keeping me and letting me be part of it.''

Vaughn said he viewed the fact that he was not traded as a good- faith gesture from the team. And a week after saying he would probably not return to the Red Sox, Vaughn said remaining in Boston is his first choice.

The team is apparently inclined to keep Vaughn. In a story in today's Boston Globe, chief executive John Harrington said the team still hopes to re-sign Vaughn.

``I hope that does take place,'' Vaughn said. ``I am confident we can make something happen. . . . If everybody negotiates with an open mind and an open heart . . . we can get it done. I want to stay here.''

Vaughn's single gave the Red Sox their first lead of the game and opened the floodgates. Nomar Garciaparra followed with a three-run homer and Jason Varitek added a two-run homer in the ninth.

The 7-2 victory produced a misleading score. The Red Sox were held to one hit over seven innings by Omar Olivares, who barely outdueled Bret Saberhagen (one unearned run in seven innings).

But the Red Sox tied it when Scott Hatteberg walked, Mike Benjamin doubled and Darren Lewis produced a run with a grounder to second. After John Valentin walked, Vaughn gave the Red Sox the lead.

After taking a 5-1 lead in the eighth, Saberhagen (11-5) was replaced by lefthander David West. He failed to record an out while allowing a run-scoring single to Jim Edmonds. That explains the one deal the Red Sox did complete at the deadline: acquiring left-handed reliever Greg Swindell, along with outfielder/first baseman Orlando Merced, from the Twins for three minor leaguers.

Swindell's arrival will mark the end of West's short stay. Dennis Eckersley replaced West and recorded two outs before Tom Gordon finished for his 30th save.

Vaughn, a free agent after the season, was the DH -- perhaps an indication the Red Sox were considering a deal. It would have been easier to pull Vaughn from a game as the DH than at first.

Manager Jimy Williams told Vaughn he wanted him to rest his legs, so Mike Stanley would play first. Vaughn seemed skeptical and distracted before the game, admitting he would be surprised by nothing.

Saberhagen's last start in Anaheim was significant. After missing almost two years with reconstructive shoulder surgery, he made his Red Sox debut there Aug. 22, 1997.

It was his first start since Oct. 1, 1995, and it happened in a perfect place. Saberhagen grew up in the area and still has family nearby, including his three children.

In his Red Sox debut, Saberhagen allowed four runs on four hits and three walks in four innings of an 8-5 loss. That was the first of six often frustrating starts last season. Saberhagen had difficulty finding his delivery, so his mechanics were often shabby.

That hasn't changed. Even though Saberhagen has been one of the biggest surprises this season, he has battled to keep his mechanics sound. When he has slumped, he has blamed it on a breakdown in his delivery.

But coming into his start against the Angels, that has been less of a problem. Saberhagen posted consecutive seven-inning performances, allowing four earned runs while walking none in the two games.

Saberhagen did not get a decision in either game, nor has he had a decision since beating the Expos July 1. That's four starts with no decision, after going 10-5 in his first 16 starts.

Blame it on a lack of run support, a pattern that continued Friday. While Saberhagen was keeping the Angels quiet, the Red Sox were unable to mount an offense against Olivares.

They had an opportunity in the first, as Valentin walked with one out and Vaughn singled to left. But Garciaparra hit a fielder's choice and Troy O'Leary grounded to first, stranding two runners.

The next time the Red Sox had a runner on base was the fourth, when Vaughn led off with a walk. Garciaparra hit a fielder's choice and O'Leary grounded into a double play.

The same scene played out in the fifth, with Stanley walking, Darren Bragg hitting the fielder's choice and Hatteberg grounding into the double play. Lewis provided a spark by walking and stealing second with one out in the sixth, but Valentin and Vaughn struck out.

Saberhagen's only mistake came in the second. Cecil Fielder led off by reaching on a throwing error by Garciaparra, whose low throw skipped past Stanley. Fielder, who took second on the error, advanced to third on Garret Anderson's grounder to second and scored when Troy Glaus lined a double to right.